A Treasure of a Panto

Shiplake Memorial Hall may need a new roof after Shiplake and Dunsden Dramatic Organisation's performance of "Treasure Island - The Panto" was cheered to the rafters by a packed house! This was SHADDO's tenth pantomime, and the expertise and talent built up and nurtured over the years was evident in all aspects of the production. Costumes were eye-catching and colourful, sets and backdrops, whilst uncomplicated, admirably illustrated the performance and the technical support from the sound and lighting desks was flawless. The cave scene had a real Wow! factor, with clever UV light effects on the set and the costumes of the excellent Skeleton dancers.

The cast performed with exuberance and an infectious enthusiasm that immediately drew hearty participation from the audience. The pirates combined well to portray a range of characters: gormless, camp, surly, murderous and, frankly, manic. All pirate life was represented and plenty of energy and conviction enlivened each role! Long John Silver (Chris Irons) led his wicked crew magnificently, his performance conveying the perfect blend of menace and incompetence.

Hilda (Terry James), proprietress of The Admirable Bimbo, was an endearing Dame, softer and less raucous than some previous Dames, but a nicely judged characterisation. Jim Hawkins (Kim Irons) was an assured and believable hero, and, with Henry/Henrietta (Becky Strong), Squire Trelawney's cunningly disguised valet, provided the requisite romantic interest. Becky stepped into the breach at short notice, but mastered the script and the role very effectively.

A surprising portrayal was that of Squire Trelawney, cleverly played by Ollie Dench as a languid, effete nincompoop - an elegant and subtle performance. Neil McAdam epitomised gravitas as the dour, suspicious Captain Smollett, the contrast in personalities adding to the comedy, as did the excellent timing of both actors, and Neill Wilkinson ably personified the steady, occasionally bemused Dr Livesey. Simon Classey convinced as Ben Gunn, brilliantly capturing a manic strangeness in expression, voice and movement.

Sometimes in pantomime, smaller roles can be eclipsed by major ones, but, particularly in the story of Treasure Island, they are just as important. Billy Bones (Philip Johnson) and Blind Pew (Angela Cadman) were well-executed and memorable cameos, and congratulations are also due to the fishermen, sailors, ghost dancers and 'Fab Four', who brought colour and movement to each scene. There was also a parrot; it is not enough to say that Rosemary Appleby played a parrot: she was a parrot - a bravura performance!

The directors, Ashley Irons and Harriet Thomas, can be proud to have brought such an entertaining production to the stage - immensely hard work, but well worth it!

Liz Thomas